Arthritis Specialist

What are the symptoms of arthritis?

Arthritis includes a broad spectrum of disorders that lead to inflammation and swelling in your joints and cartilage. There are over 100 different types of arthritis, including rheumatoid and osteoarthritis, and the symptoms you experience may vary. Some of the most common symptoms of arthritis include:

• Joint pain or stiffness
• Limited range of motion
• Warmth or tenderness over the affected joint

In many cases, arthritis is associated with fluid buildup in your joints. So you could notice some inflammation and swelling around any of your joints, too. Or if you have gout, caused by uric acid buildup, you’re likely going to feel sudden sharp pains, usually in your big toe.

How is arthritis diagnosed?

Your dedicated podiatrist performs a thorough examination to determine if you might have arthritis. They may watch you walk, check your reflexes, or look for inflammation. Because arthritis is a complex disease, you might need some additional testing to confirm arthritis, or to rule out other conditions.

The team at Podiatry Clinic of Jackson generally combine X-ray imaging to check for physical signs of arthritis with blood testing to determine if you have inflammatory markers, which could indicate rheumatoid arthritis. As soon as your podiatrist gets any essential test results back, they can let you know more about your specific diagnosis and get you started on treatment.

What is the treatment for arthritis?

Treating arthritis starts with, of course, relieving any lingering discomfort. But since any cartilage damage isn’t reversible, it’s important to take steps to delay the further progression of the condition. To accomplish both pain relief and prevent more issues, your arthritis treatment plan may include:

• Physical therapy
• Anti-inflammatory medications
• Custom orthotic inserts or braces
• Dietary counseling, especially for gout sufferers

You can also manage foot and ankle arthritis — as well as arthritis in other areas — by taking certain prescription medications each day. Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), corticosteroids, and biologic response modifiers are just some of the most common drugs used to manage arthritis.

If you’re still not getting relief, or if your foot or ankle arthritis is worsening, your dedicated podiatrist at Podiatry Clinic of Jackson may suggest surgery. Arthritis surgery can involve removing damaged tissue, fusing bones, or possibly replacing joints entirely.

You can get relief from arthritis pain with the help of the team at Podiatry Clinic of Jackson. Book your evaluation online or call the clinic directly.